What is a 'symphony' in classical music?

A 'symphony' in classical music refers to a large-scale orchestral work typically composed for an orchestra. It is considered one of the major forms of classical music composition and usually consists of multiple movements, often four, that vary in tempo and character. Each movement can explore different themes and musical ideas, providing a rich and dynamic listening experience.

Symphonies are usually written for a full orchestra, encompassing strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The scale and complexity of a symphony allow composers to showcase their orchestration skills and create intricate interactions between different instrumental sections. This form has been championed by many great composers, such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Mahler, making it a central part of the classical music repertoire.

The other choices do not accurately define what a symphony is, as they refer to different aspects of music not associated with large orchestral works.